Summary
While Crypt Custodian might not be the most advanced Metroidvania game, and might not have the strongest story, the game brings extra flair and style from its cute graphics and fun side mission of cleaning up the palace, which helps set it apart and make it not just like any other Metroidvania game.
Developer – Kyle Thompson
Publisher – Kyle Thompson,Top Hat Studios, Inc., H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.
Platforms – Nintendo Switch,PS 4/5,Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher (Top Hat Studios)
Crypt Custodian invites players into a delightful fusion of Metroidvania and Zelda-like gameplay, wrapped in a quirky and imaginative story about cleaning up the afterlife. In this enchanting world, you play as Pluto, a mischievous cat who meets an untimely end and finds themselves in the afterlife. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a chaotic encounter with the Afterlife Guardian, Kendra, results in your banishment. Your punishment? An eternity was spent cleaning the vast, mysterious grounds outside the palace.
Armed with nothing but your trusty broom, you’ll explore the sprawling landscapes surrounding the palace, battling hostile creatures, solving intricate puzzles, and uncovering hidden secrets.
At the core of Crypt Custodian is a satisfying system of upgrades and abilities that Pluto can unlock as they clean, fight, and explore the various regions of the afterlife. Puzzles, dungeons, and boss battles will test your mettle, but success will reward you with new upgrades that help Pluto grow stronger.
Throughout the game, you’ll meet a variety of quirky spirits, each with their own backstory of mischief or misfortune that led to their eternal banishment. These aren’t your typical ghosts; each one is delightfully flawed and unique, offering insight into their demise and the reasons they were cast out of the palace’s grandeur.
The heart of the afterlife’s social scene resides in The Sinner’s Inn, a local haunt where you can chat with the ghostly inhabitants and take a well-deserved breather. Here, you can also upgrade your gear, preparing yourself for the challenges ahead while bonding with the other banished spirits.
The world of Crypt Custodian is designed to feel alive, despite being set in the afterlife. The non-linear exploration encourages you to form your own path, choosing which areas to explore first and which challenges to tackle next. From eerie forests to crumbling ruins, every corner of the world holds hidden treasures, powerful upgrades, and mysterious puzzles. As you gain new abilities, more of the world opens up, rewarding curiosity and encouraging a deeper exploration of the afterlife’s many layers.
While Crypt Custodian might not be the most advanced Metroidvania game, and might not have the strongest story, the game brings extra flair and style from its cute graphics and fun side mission of cleaning up the palace, which helps set it apart and make it not just like any other Metroidvania game.
